Differential expression profile of Th1/Th2-associated chemokines characterizes Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS']JS/TEN) and drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) as distinct entities

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are two of a triad of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) to drugs [1, 2]. The rapid recognition of DIHS/DRESS and SJS/TEN is essential because they are potentially life-threatening syndromes. Thus, diagnostic markers or predictive factors need to be defined. We previously reported that thymus and activationregulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) serum levels were markedly higher in the acute stage of DIHS/DRESS than in other forms of drug eruption [3, 4]. We also demonstrated that TARC levels in the acute stage of DIHS/DRESS correlated with disease activity [3]. In this study, we attempted to identify chemokine patterns that would allow us to distinguish between the different forms of drug eruptionsand gain insight into the pathomechanisms involved.